Need Work? Check Out the Top Blue Collar Cities

by Sr. Editor on March 16, 2010

istock/sculpies
Photo Credit: iStock Photo/sculpies

When you think about blue collar cities, you might picture a place with rows of rusty-looking, square buildings, filled with people punching time cards on time clocks. Or, you might picture a place where Laverne and Shirley place a latex glove on one bottle out of hundreds in a brewery.

Blue collar cities are these things and so much more. They’re filled with classic, admirable architecture and relatable, affordable activities, restaurants and pubs. They’re charming and often have multiple public transportation options.

If you’re looking to work in a city that has a down-to-earth side, check out the following blue collar hubs, whose up-and-coming industries may just surprise you.

Detroit
As with most industrial hubs, Detroit is a major port city. Its location on a strait that connects the Great Lakes and the Detroit River make it easily accessible for purchasing and shipping between the United States and Canada. Home to the Big Three automobile companies, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, Detroit is a major producer of new vehicle production, sales and jobs related to automobile use. Manufacturing jobs, particularly for lithium ion batteries, biodiesel, biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology and hydrogen fuel cell development, create the backbone of Detroit’s blue collar workforce. In recent years, construction workers have been needed to clear vacant buildings and prepare the area for redevelopment.

Pittsburgh
Historically known for its steel industry, Pittsburgh’s economy is alive today with jobs in healthcare, higher education, technology, oil, natural gas, robotics and financial services. Pittsburgh is also the region’s primary source for culture, entertainment and sports and was one of the 10 cleanest cities in the nation, according to Forbes in 2007. Pittsburgh is one of the nation’s smallest cities in square miles and is quite accessible with mass transit, buses and Amtrak.

Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love hosts an impressive number of manufacturing, oil refining, food processing, health care, biotechnology, insurance and financial services firms. Plus, cable and Internet provider Comcast, energy company Sunoco, chemical companies Rohm and Haas Company and FMC Corporation and automotive parts retailer Pep Boys are headquartered in Philadelphia, as well as the East Coast operations of the United States Mint.

Cleveland
Located on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, Cleveland is a major American manufacturing hub with transportation ties to the Ohio and Erie Canal and multiple railroads. Originally an agricultural village and regional center of commerce, Cleveland was known for producing steel and iron by the late 1800s. Today, Cleveland remains one of the largest steel and iron manufacturers in the country, as well as produces polymer, automobiles, fabricated metals, electrical/electronic equipment and instruments and controls. It is also a research base for the biotechnology and biomedical industry.

Kansas City, Mo.
Home to four Fortune 500 companies and several Fortune 1000 companies, Kansas City is also the center for an active filmmaking community. Dairy Farmers of America and the Kansas City Board of Trade, the trading exchange for hard red winter wheat, is located in Kansas City, as is the Sanofi-Aventis plant, one of the largest drug manufacturing plants in the U.S. Plus, automotive manufacturing is big in Kansas City, as is higher education and animal health sciences.

Chicago
Chicago, the third-largest city in the nation, is home to three major financial and futures exchanges and has major manufacturing, medical products and services, printing, publishing and food processing industries. Aerospace giant Boeing is also centered in Chicago. Even if your Chicago workplace isn’t a three-block walk from your home, you can hop on one of the many buses and above-ground subway lines, including the famous “L” line that loops around the city, to get there.

Milwaukee, Wis.
Thirteen Fortune 1000 companies call Milwaukee home, including Northwestern Mutual, Kohl’s, Harley-Davidson and Fiserv Inc. Milwaukee also has a large number of financial services, food production, manufacturing and of course, brewing companies, such as Miller Brewing, Leinenkugel’s, Lakefront Brewery and Sprecher Brewery. Because of the city’s proximity to Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a strong presence of stockyards, rendering plants and shipping firms.

Buffalo, N.Y.
Originally a grain-milling and rail center, Buffalo is now a hub for industrial, manufacturing and high-technology companies, as well as bioinformatics and human genome research. Specifically, Rich Products, one of the world’s largest family-owned food manufacturers, is in Buffalo, as is New Era Cap Company, the largest sports-licensed headwear company in the U.S. The city is also home to a number of health care companies, banking facilities and automotive production plants.

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How to Move a Mattress into an Apartment

by Sr. Editor on March 11, 2010

If you have ever moved furniture, you know that one of the hardest things to handle is a mattress, especially if you have to climb stairs. Even with two or three people, there seems to be no easy way to grab a mattress. Here are some tips and advice before trying to conquer moving a mattress on your own.

Moving a Mattress
Photo by St Gleam (Flickr)

Never Use the Mattress Handles

Ever wonder why mattress manufacturers put such flimsy handles on the sides of the mattress instead of the ends where it is easier for two people to lift vertically? Believe it or not, mattresses with handles were not designed to move and transport a mattress at all. So, if you have ever ripped off mattress handles while moving, you are in the majority of people who use mattress handles against the manufacturer’s intentions. While it may not seem logical, most mattresses handles are only provided for product positioning, not for exerting great force, such as attaching a rope to them and hauling the mattress to another floor.

Buy a Mattress Bag

You can purchase a specially-made mattress box or bag from a moving company. Mattress bags keep your mattresses and box springs clean during moving or storing while protecting against soil, dust and water damage. Many plastic mattress bags have built-in handles, but they are not very sturdy for transporting, so do not rely on them for transporting up a stairway.

Rent a Truck

Unless you have a large car with a roof rack, and you have experience with transporting large, awkward objects, tying a mattress to the roof of a car nearly always ends in disaster –especially if you have a king-sized mattress. It is not worth losing your mattress on the road. Even if you are moving your mattress a short distance, it is best to rent a small moving truck or pick-up truck. Home improvement stores have truck rentals for as low as $19.95.

Use a Moving Strap or Sling

Moving straps are sturdy tools for moving bulky furniture and would work fine for carrying a mattress up a flight of stairs. However, if you want to get even more specialized, one particular company makes a mattress strap sling carrier called the EZ-Sling. The EZ-Sling makes it easy for two people of different heights to carry and deliver an oversized mattress. For $19.95, you have greater control, helping you avoid swaying, wobbling and hard-to-balance hassles.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C.

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Storage Options for Small Places

by Sr. Editor on March 4, 2010

Living in a small apartment can be tough for storing things, especially if you are used to living in a house with a garage, basement, attic or work shed. If you live in a small apartment or condo, here are some storage options that could make your life easier, more organized and clutter-free.

Wall shelves
Image: Editor B (Flickr)

Use Vertical Space

In limited square footage, the only way to go is up. Make use of every inch of your walls with shelving. Your apartment doesn’t have to look like a warehouse if you choose your shelving carefully. Tall bookcases from Ikea are a great place to start. With attractive boxes and magazine holders, you can stash away things that you don’t want visible while arranging other things on display.  Installing wall shelves are another good way to use vertical space. You can stagger them on the wall next to pictures or paintings.

Use Hanging Lights

Not only are they modern-looking and stylish, but hanging lamps can free up some valuable space on night tables or dressers. Simply attach a hook to your ceiling (from a stud) and drape the cord through for a suspending lit pendulum. Lights are not the only items you can hang from the ceiling; you can either find or create hanging clothes racks, hanging shelves and custom beds designed to drop from above.

Use Space Under Furniture

Beds take up a lot of space in the bedroom, so using the space underneath makes perfect sense for small apartments. If you don’t already have a high bed, you can buy stackers for your bed frame, allowing you more space for storage. Retail stores such as Walmart, Target and Home Depot sell under-bed storage boxes that are perfect for stowing away seasonal clothing and shoes, holiday decorations or a surplus of fashion accessories such as hats, scarves and purses.

Choose the Right Furniture

When shopping for furniture for your small apartment, look for furniture that can be used for more than one purpose. A futon, for example can be a seating for the home office and also an extra bed when you need to convert the home office into a guest room.  If you have a small bedroom, a king-size sleigh bed is not the best choice. Consider beds that do not have headboards or footboards. For the living room, forego that clunky coffee table and purchase stackable nesting tables that can be easily rearranged to fit the occasion. For living rooms, padded storage ottomans are great for small spaces as they can be used as a sitting stool, foot rest and a place to stash blankets and other items.

Rent Storage Space

Some things just can’t be stored in an apartment. If push comes to shove and you really need extra storage, ask your landlord what storage options are available in your apartment community. Just by asking, you may be surprised to find out that there are inexpensive (or free) storage closets located in your own apartment complex. If the apartment manager cannot help you, you may need to bite the bullet and rent a storage unit.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.

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Get Fit in the 10 Most Active Cities

by Sr. Editor on March 2, 2010

iStock/photoGartner
Photo Credit: iStock Photo/photoGartner

So maybe your city’s professional football or basketball team reigns supreme, but the real athletic test for your city is how active its residents are. Athletic individuals need to live in an area with multiple recreational options and facilities to keep them in tip-top shape.

If you lead an active lifestyle and are searching for a city that complements it, look no further than the 10 cities below. Cities were ranked based on ratios of city acres per park acre, population per park acre, sporting goods store, health club and recreation center and the number of active options available in the city per year.

1. Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte scored number one in three of our six categories, including population per sporting goods store, population per health club and population per recreation center. Fewer people in these places mean more cardio equipment is available at the local gyms and recreation centers, so more time can be spent exercising. Though those are all indoor facilities, Charlotte has plenty to offer outdoor adventurers as well, with nearby ski resorts, white water rafting and mountain trail foot races.

2. Phoenix, Ariz.
It’s a common misconception that Phoenix residents spend most of their time indoors in the air conditioning, because this city scored well in our city-to-park acreage ratio and population per park acre ratio. Plus, there were 17 running events in 2009, such as the Urban Dare, a one-day “Amazing Race” in which contestants must solve a set of 12 clues and physical challenges, or the Just Another Mad Dog 25K and 50K, where serious runners trek down a fast, flat trail run through the Arizona desert.

3. Jacksonville, Fla.
This flat city by the Atlantic Ocean has an outstanding 111,669 acres of park space for its 735,000 residents, which means there is one acre of park space for every 6.58 residents. That’s a lot of space to roam. Plus, Jacksonville also scored number one in our city-to-park acreage ratio and tied for number two in the number of active options per year. Runners can choose between three half marathons during the year, or anyone in good health can participate in Climb Jacksonville, a competitive stair-climbing event (with 838 steps!) at the Bank of America Tower, the tallest building in the city.

4. Seattle, Wash.
Though Seattle is known for its rainy weather, the balmy temperatures and overcast skies make it an excellent place to run outdoors year-round. If the weather does force you indoors, Seattle scored particularly well in our count of sporting goods stores, health clubs and recreation centers, so you can rock climb, play racquetball or swim indoors. Also, Seattle is the birthplace of REI, an outdoor equipment and clothing store that has a large rock-climbing wall inside, so rain or shine, you’re covered for activities to keep you busy and gear to protect you.

5. Los Angeles, Calif.
As the center of the Western image of beauty, it’s no wonder Los Angeles has plenty of health clubs and recreation centers. With an average 325 days of sunshine per year, Los Angeles residents are always working on their bikini bodies, and they can surf, play beach volleyball or even lift weights by the ocean. Los Angeles scored number one in our list of number of races per year, such as the Jet to Jetty 1K, 5K and 10K and the slightly more difficult Four Mile Hill Challenge Run. If you’re not sure which sport is for you, the annual Los Angeles Fitness Expo brings out the athlete in all ages and disciplines, from karate to weight lifting to pole dancing.

6. Boston, Mass.
For its smaller population and land size, Boston scored well in our population per sporting goods store, health club and recreation center ratios, as well as the number of races per year. What the city lacks in its number and acreage of parks, it makes up for in making certain areas sports-accessible to its residents. Runners, walkers and in-line skaters love the flat 1.5-mile stretch of Memorial Drive in Cambridge, which closes to cars on summer Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Dr. Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path, an 18-mile circuit that begins near the Museum of Science, runs along both sides of the river to Watertown.

7. Houston, Texas
Houston scored near the middle for all of our categories except population per park acre and number of races per year, in which it scored third. The 407-acre Hermann Park is one of Houston’s premier parks, and the city’s multiple parks allow guests to play golf, swim, play Frisbee, mountain bike and jog. Houston’s races include one-mile fun runs for the entire family, various 5Ks and 10Ks and CitySolve Urban Race Houston, a scavenger hunt plus five- to eight-mile run.

8. Dallas, Texas
Dallas, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country, scored in the middle of all of our categories, but its 17 separate city-run lakes make it unique. Dallas is also home to 61.6 miles of biking trails and the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the U.S. and a gateway to numerous trails. Cedar Hill State Park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation in varying degrees of difficulty, including mountain biking, fishing, swimming and more.

9. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, the most visited city in Texas, prides itself on its system of 179 parks that cover more than 14,000 acres. The city allows you to get active in a variety of activities with its 10 skate parks and three disc golf courses. Plus, San Antonio tied for second in our list of number of races per year. The Rock ‘N Roll San Antonio Marathon and Half Marathon in the fall is particularly motivating, since its race route goes beside the Alamo and Mission Trail and includes performances by 50 live bands, as well as free admission into the Headliner Concert Celebration at the Alamodome afterwards.

10. San Diego, Calif.
With six city acres per acre of park space, you’ll run into a park every few blocks in San Diego, such as the 5,900-acre Mission Trails Regional Park and 1,500 acres of open space parks for hiking, biking and walking. And though temperatures are often high in this southern California city, breezier fall and winter weather allows for activities such as the Bicycle Tour, where cyclists can ride 420 miles and climb 25,000 feet on a ride from San Diego to Palm Springs. Or, if you’re past 5Ks but aren’t quite up to running a 10K yet, try the Union-Tribune Race for Literacy 8K, of which the final mile passes through the historic Gaslight District.

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Top 6 Cities for the Celebrity-Obsessed

by Sr. Editor on February 26, 2010

istock/sjlocke
Photo Credit: iStock Photo/sjlocke

Celebrities may seem inaccessible, with their lavish lifestyles, private jets and trips to exotic locales. But take away their fancy homes and entourages, and they’re just normal people who want to dine out, shop and be entertained and who live among us in cities across the nation.

Sometimes celebrities’ wealth affords them privacy at high-end spots, such as security-laden, five-star hotels and spas, and sometimes it affords them normalcy, at places such as the corner deli or a local organic market. If you’re ready to find out where famous faces hang out, you’ll love pursuing the rich and famous in the following cities. And if you don’t happen to see a famous face at the places listed below, you’ll probably still get a good meal or drink out of it.

Los Angeles
It’s difficult to not run into a celebrity in Los Angeles, even as big as the city is, since celebrities both live and work in the city and surrounding areas. Skip the celebrity homes tour and Hollywood Walk of Fame, and instead, opt for shopping at the Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills to catch a glimpse of Madonna or Tom Hanks. At most Lakers game, you’ll find Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson or Khloe Kardashian. You’ll probably see the most celebrities during weekday lunch hours at The Ivy restaurant, a favorite place to eat for Demi Moore, Kiefer Sutherland, Anjelica Huston, Tori Spelling, Ray Romano and Tim Burton. Fred Segal on West Melrose is the place to find Winona Ryder, Meg Ryan, George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian and Salma Hayek. For dessert with a side of celebrity spotting, head over to Sprinkles Cupcakes, a frequent haunt for Jimmy Kimmel, Katie Holmes, Teri Hatcher, Jake Gyllenhaal, Courteney Cox and Jennifer Love Hewitt. At the Blockbuster in the Malibu Colony Plaza, you might browse the action flick selection next to Bruce Willis, John Cusack, Steven Spielburg or Cher.

New York City
Known for its vast fashion, dining and entertainment options, New York is a popular spot for celebrities to shop, eat and stay. Find Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan or Robert DeNiro at Tribeca Bar and Grill in the Tribeca area and Sheryl Crow or Susan Sarandon at Cuban diner Café Habana in SoHo. Browse Bergdorf Goodman across from the Plaza Hotel for a glimpse of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep or the Olsen twins. Natalie Portman frequents the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue, and Jay-Z and Beyonce eat at Lucali in Carroll Gardens reportedly every Sunday evening. You might see George Clooney or David Spade at Morgan’s Bar in Murray Hill and Liv Tyler and Heidi Klum working out at Madison Square Club, though it’ll cost you to join.

Nashville
Known most for its country music stars, Nashville is increasingly becoming the home to other major celebrities, primarily the ones who marry country stars. Plus, the celebrities are much more accessible in Nashville than they are in other cities. Attend a Predator hockey game, and you might spot Deana Carter, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Kid Rock, the latter if they’re playing the Detroit Red Wings. You might find Ricky Skaggs, the members of ZZ Top or Coldplay at Hatch Print Show and Robert Redford, Barbara Walters, Mick Jagger and Clint Eastwood love the Northern Italian dishes at Mario’s on Broadway. Order a stack of hotcakes at the Pancake Pantry, and you might find yourself sitting next to Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman or Natalie Cole. Keith and Nicole also like to hang out in the Green Hills area on Sunday mornings, and Tennessee native Justin Timberlake likes the sandwiches at Bread and Co. in the West End neighborhood.

Atlanta
The Hip-Hop Capital of the World is home to Grammy-winning musicians Usher, Sugarland and Akon, as well as numerous music producers, athletes, actors and celebrity chefs. You can find Ludacris, Big Boi from Outkast and Lil Jon at most home Atlanta Hawks games and Andre 3000 from Outkast frequently shopping at Sevananda, a natural foods store in the Little Five Points neighborhood. Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers get their organic foods’ fix at the Whole Foods on Ponce De Leon Avenue. “Top Chef” runners-up Richard Blaise and Kevin Woodruff are still cooking and managing their respective restaurants Flip and Woodfire Grill, and Usher loves the fried chicken at South City Kitchen in Midtown. At high-end Buckhead mall Phipps Plaza, you’re sure to run into Jermaine Dupri and girlfriend Janet Jackson, Keisha Knight Pulliam and all of Atlanta’s professional hockey, basketball, football and baseball players and wives.

Miami
South Beach is the place to be for the world’s rich and famous, since gorgeous people, fine dining and upscale boutiques go hand-in-hand-in-hand in this section of Miami. Celebrities frequent the late-night offerings of SandOLab, a sandwich shop that serves South Beach patrons until 4 a.m. Michael Jordan, Bill Clinton, Gabriel Union and the Duff sisters are regular guests of steakhouse Prime 112. You’ll find Christina Aguilera, Diddy and Jared Leto at nightclub Cameo, and at Mansion, you might run into Lindsay Lohan, Nelly Furtado, Akon and Dave Navarro. At the Mandarin Oriental, catch spotlight-shy celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, and at the flashy Gansevoort South hotel, see those who want to be seen, such as the Kardashian sisters, Reggie Bush, Brooke Shields and Chloë Sevigny. Of course, Joe’s Stone Crab is an excellent place to spot multiple well-known faces.

Chicago
Home to a slew of A-List actors and musicians – and even the President – Chicago is a friendly city that caters to famous faces. Dine at Japanese restaurant Japonais to dine near Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Goldie Hawn, Nicholas Cage and Oprah Winfrey. Oprah, as well as Barack and Michelle Obama, enjoy dining at Table Fifty-Two. You might run into John Cusack, Jeremy Piven or Vince Vaughn at Level Nightclub or Kevin Dillon, Brody Jenner and the Kardashian sisters at Enclave Nightclub. Underground restaurant’s late-night menu has attracted Kanye West, R. Kelly, Fergie and Macy Gray.

What’s your favorite celebrity sighting story, and where did you see this celebrity?

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5 Cities People with ADD Should Avoid

by Sr. Editor on February 22, 2010

Some cities are just too much to handle for most people — let alone someone who has ADD. From noisy casinos to bustling streets that never sleep, if you are trying to avoid stimulation overload, you may want to avoid visiting or moving to one of these places.

Places to avoid if you have ADD
Image: X-Ray Delta One (Flickr)

Bright lights, 24-hour attractions, crazy traffic and endless diversions. Whether you actually thrive on non-stop action or you are trying to avoid it, here are the top five U.S. cities with the most distractions:

Las Vegas

The distractions in this town are enough to paralyze the most laid back visitors. Nothing is off-limits in Sin City. If you spend any time on the strip, you will be intoxicated by the many incessant sounds of computer generated chimes, whizzes, blips and buzzes from the street. Many attention deficit visitors get easily sucked into games and can spend hours at a time hyper-focused at one table. If you are one of these people, you are inviting trouble by even thinking about Vegas. Need to stay on schedule? Well, you better keep your own time because clubs, hotels and casinos in Vegas rarely show the time. They want you to lose track of time so you’ll stay and spend more money.

New York

Living or visiting the city of New York is like shopping in a busy mall two days before Christmas – only all year round. The wide variety of delicious smells (and some not so delicious) make it hard to choose a place to eat. It can be hard to sleep at night with the never-ending noises, including ambulances, honking horns, subway trains, neon signs and pedestrians in the street. As far as entertainment goes, it is a 4 a.m. town with 66 strip clubs across the five boroughs. If you are one of those ADD suffers that gets anxious in tight spaces, New York is not the place to be. Personal space is premium real estate in grocery stores and on the streets. If you need much stimulation however, you will not be at a lack for things to do or places to see.

Miami

The market-driven nightlife in Miami means that bars close whenever, dancing and smoking are accepted and happy hour is a lifestyle. The strip on South Beach is chock full of brightly colored trinkets, bars and other distractions. Some of the most beautiful people live in Miami where the culture is based on going out, seeing and being seen. Attention deficit sufferers may be overwhelmed with the glamorous, narcotic party world. If you rely on prescription medication to control your attention deficit disorder you may need to double your dose before venturing out into the Miami nightlife.

Los Angeles

Bars close at 2 a.m. in Los Angles but there is always a party after the party. If you know many people in this tinsel town, the distractions can easily add up in way of private parties and events. Even if you don’t know anyone, there are plenty of museums, art shows and attractions that make deciding what to do a hard choice. If you like to shop, L.A. is the largest retail sales market in the country. It is also the largest international trade center in the United States. Avid shoppers with ADD in Los Angeles may be asking for trouble as high end retail temptation lies around almost every corner.

Tampa

Tampa has more strip clubs than Las Vegas and the night clubs stay open until 4 a.m. The Tampa Bay area is home to the University of South Florida, bringing lots of college parties, activities and sporting events to its residents. Tampa, the largest city in Florida, has over 54 golf courses, 650 tennis courts and the largest open water estuary in Florida. If you are the type of person with an attention span that requires you to stay active, good luck choosing your outdoor activity. The city is known in the Guinness Book of World Records that has the most days of sunshine.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.

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Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia

by Sr. Editor on February 15, 2010

Volunteerism in Philadelphia is alive and well. Whether you are a retiree looking for fulfilling and rewarding work to occupy your time or you are just looking for ways to connect with the Philadelphia community and make some like-minded friends, volunteering is a great way to bond with others and give back to the community.


Image by: firstbaptistnashville on Flickr

It’s easy to find a volunteer organization in Philadelphia that could use your talents and give you the great feeling of helping others. Here are a few great places to get started.

Philadelphia Cares

For those who are not sure what to volunteer for, the Philadelphia Cares Web site is a good place to start. The Philadelphia Cares site calendar features the latest events in need of volunteers and matches people with various nonprofit agencies. You can decide on a volunteer opportunity based on when it is convenient for you and which opportunity best matches your talents and resources. From fundraising events to working with animals, children and senior citizens, you can find something that has meaning to you.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philadelphia

If you are looking to develop a bond with a youth in need, this is a great organization that fosters mutual bonds between an adult mentor and a child. According to the latest Census information, approximately 120,000 children in Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are at risk of social and academic failure. You can be a positive influence on a child’s life, but you may discover that you need to mentor a child just as much as he or she needs you.

Philabundance

Philabundance is Philly’s largest food bank network in the area. Their mission is “to end hunger and malnutrition in the Delaware Valley by acquiring food and distributing it through organizations serving people in need.” According to a recent study by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), a national nonprofit company in Washington, Philadelphia is the second-hungriest area in the nation. Philabundance has volunteers of all ages and walks of life who donate their time to work in the warehouse, provide administrative support, and assist with special events.

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo relies heavily on volunteers of all ages to help with administration, give tours and even help as zookeeper assistants. The zoo has volunteer programs that are perfect for adults, teens and college interns. If you love working with animals and enjoy educating other people about animals, the Philadelphia Zoo would be a great place to give your time and interact with other animal lovers.

Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia

Doing physical work with your hands can be very rewarding. Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia focuses on building multiple homes in a community rather than scattered site houses. The organization rehabilitates entire neighborhoods by providing simple, decent, affordable homes for families in need. You can get involved with Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia by providing some much-needed elbow grease in building homes or donating materials to the organization.

No matter how much time you have to give or what your interest, there is a volunteer organization that needs your help in Philadelphia. Discover the joys and benefits of being part of a bigger community in Philadelphia.

April Lentini writes for Philadelphia Apartment Guide near Restaurant Row.

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Things to Consider Before Moving In Together

by Sr. Editor on February 12, 2010

So you’ve been dating a while and have decided it is time to take the big step and move in together. Before you start furniture shopping and getting comfortable in your love nest, you may want to consider some very important details of co-habitation.


Image: Foxtongue (Flickr)

Are you are ready to live together?

When couples move in together, they see all aspects of each other’s lives – even the not-so-pretty side. If you have been on an extended trip with this person or have spent the night at his or her home more than a few times, then you probably have a better idea of how your boyfriend or girlfriend lives and the little habits that are bound to follow when you move in together. If you have never traveled with your partner or you have never spent the night (more than once in a row) with your partner, then you may want to hold off on your decision to live together.

Lifestyle

If you have been dating a while, chances are you have compatible lifestyles. But maybe there are some things that you haven’t thought about. Smokers and nonsmokers, for example, usually don’t live well together. He or she may have been doing a good job of keeping his or her smoking habit away from you up until now, but how do you think it’ll go if you live together? There are certain intricacies of your partner’s lifestyle that may surface only after you move in together. Is he as neat as you? Does she have a strange habit of leaving drinking glasses all over the apartment? If you like to go to bed early and wake up early, living with a night owl may not work out so well.

Bills

The one thing that many couples fight over the most is money. If you are searching for an apartment together, make sure that both names are on the lease. Also, agree in advance how the utility bills will be paid. Usually, couples living together for the first time feel that it is wise to keep their own checking accounts. Draw up a budget and make sure that you can both afford the place that you choose.  If one person is going to be responsible for paying the bills from his or her own account, the other should have a set due date of when to transfer his or her half of the bills every month.

Furniture

Who is keeping what and who will sell their stuff? If you are each coming from your own place, it may be time to consolidate. You may not have room for two sofas and two dining room sets. If you are lucky, there is usually one person who doesn’t mind getting rid of their cheap furnishings (it’s usually the guy) -especially if it’s their old college dorm furniture to begin with. But you may have to fight about some things. If your girlfriend, for example, is really attached to her pink lacey canopy bed and you want to keep your modern round bed from Ikea, you may have to bargain with her and even make some compromises. She may finally agree to your round bed, but no way is that black leather bachelor couch staying. This is just the beginning of your domestic existence. Make sure that you both collaborate on the furniture situation before moving in together.

Personal Space and Privacy

Each of you may be used to having your own personal space. If this is still important to you, make sure that your apartment accommodates those needs. Will a two-bedroom apartment be enough? Maybe a three-bedroom will better suit your need for space if you plan on having a home office or guest room. Having another room to escape to is handy if you are used to having control of the remote or want a quiet place to work or read while your other half watches TV. While it may seem petty, these things are worth considering before making the leap and living together.

Living together is a monumental step when you are in a serious relationship. If you think logically about the details before diving in, it may save you a lot of headaches.

April Lentini writes for ApartmentGuide.com in Philadelphia.

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Budget-Friendly Wedding Trends for 2010

by Sr. Editor on February 11, 2010

Expensive, lavish weddings may still be in vogue for a minority of the population who has dollars to burn, but for most budget-conscious couples, the cheap wedding trend continues to gain popularity. Not only are budget-friendly weddings practical for money-saving reasons, but homemade weddings are fashionable in a shabby-chic, creative kind of way. Here are the latest budget-friendly wedding trends for 2010.

back yard wedding

Backyard Weddings

Getting married in your own home is the perfect way to convey meaning over material. A smaller, more intimate wedding with family and friends obviously saves you money, but it can also provide a more comfortable atmosphere. There are many ways to decorate your home and backyard for a ceremony and reception. All you need for a small crowed in your backyard is a rental tent, tables and chairs, and the rest of the decorating is up to your imagination. Having a backyard wedding is also the perfect motivation for home improvement. Why not use the money you’ll be saving to fix up your yard, build a new deck or gazebo or remodel the kitchen?

Mismatched Bridesmaids (Or No Bridesmaids)

In traditional weddings, bridesmaids have long been forced to buy expensive dresses that they hate or would never wear again. For modern, low-maintenance weddings, the rules are a little more laissez-faire. The trend last year of mismatched bridesmaid dresses continues strong into 2010. You may choose to offer loose guidelines for your bridesmaids such as “Find a pastel-colored cocktail dress above the knee,” “Wear anything pink,” or you may choose to not have bridesmaids at all. After all, most of your guests probably don’t care, and a short, simple, low-fuss ceremony means there is more time to eat and party.

Homemade Wedding Favors & DIY Novelties

One good thing about a low-budget wedding is that it can bring out your creative side. Instead of sending guests home with a retail trinket such as a personalized champagne glass, why not put together 15-20 songs from your wedding soundtrack that you will have playing at the wedding? And, for table centerpieces, the sky is the limit. From candles and flower vases to eclectic pieces such as decorated Mason jars or wine bottles, DIY decorations and novelties are all the rage this year.

Creative Photography

Hosting a wedding on the cheap doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be memorable. Instead of hiring an expensive portrait photographer, many are going for the journalistic approach. Hire one or two professional photographers to snap candid shots of all party guests. Most freelance photographers will be happy to simply give you a digital file of all the photos instead of making you commit to a pricey wedding photography photo album. After the wedding you can go to an online service such as Flickr to create and publish your own photo book by simply uploading your favorite photos and adding captions. This also makes a great gift for family members after the wedding. Renting photo booths for weddings is also popular (though a bit pricier), as it entertains guests and gives you some surprising, often amusing memories.

Locally Catered or Potluck Meals

If you are really looking for a low-fuss, bare-bones wedding reception, make your wedding a potluck wedding. If you go this route, makes sure you are well organized and communicate clearly with your friends and family on what to bring. It is possible to pull this off in a classy way, but it takes careful preparation. You can always do a combination of catering and cooking yourself to save money. If that local Cajun restaurant down the street has the best jambalaya you have ever tasted, ask them to make a big batch for your wedding. By saving money on a full catering service, you can go all out on other things that are more important to you, such as buying the wedding cake of your dreams or offering a full-service bar.

BYOB Bar

Speaking of alcohol, one way to cut back on expenses is advertise a BYOB bar.  Instead of wedding gifts, you may send out invitations to guests saying, “Help stock the newlyweds’ bar.” Hopefully you have a wine cellar or basement to store all the libations. If each guest were to bring two bottles of your favorite wine, champagne or liquor, you will probably be stocked up for several years to come.

You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable and enjoyable wedding day. In fact, by cutting back on traditional expenses, you can avoid the stress of wedding planning and actually enjoy your special day.

April Lentini writes for Chicago Apartment Guide.  If you are looking for an apartment with a great community hall or poolside for your wedding, check out the many apartments available in Chicago. Image: PrincessAshley (Flickr)

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Best Break-Up Movies of All Times

by Sr. Editor on February 9, 2010

movie night

The days leading up to Valentine’s Day inspire many people to cuddle up with their sweethearts and watch romantic films. But what about single people, or worse, people who have just had their heart broken by an unexpected or nasty breakup?  Don’t despair. Buy yourself some chocolate and ice cream, have yourself a good cry and curl up in front of your TV to embrace your newfound freedom. Here are eight great break-up movies that will make you feel glad to be single.

1. Sleeping With the Enemy (1991)

Think twice about envying the woman who appears to have it all: a handsome husband, a nice house and basically anything that money can buy.  So what would bring such a charmed housewife (Julia Roberts) to fake her own death, cut off her hair, move across the county and change her name? Why, her rich husband of course! See why this thriller will make you glad that you never got married or glad to be divorced.

2.  The War of the Roses (1989)

In another (seemingly) perfect marriage, the Roses are a professional, middle-aged couple who live in a small mansion and have two kids in college. They grow tired of each other, and their bitterness turns into a contest to out-humiliate each other in front of each other’s clients and friends. Eventually, their quarrels escalate into a violent personal war inside their large house where they both end up dead under the chandelier. This version of War of the Roses makes the real battles between the Houses of York and Lancaster at the end of the Middle Ages seem like child’s play.

3. Thelma and Louise (1991)

Geena Davis and Susan Surandon star in this action-packed story of two best friends who decide to go on a girls’ weekend trip. They end up being the victims of circumstance and become outlaws on the run. The men in their lives are enough to make any woman happy to die alone. If those weren’t enough reasons to convince you, the movie is worth it just to see a young Brad Pitt make an appearance before he became famous.

4. Secretary (2002)

This is a good movie to watch if you have ever thought your own life was messed up. A socially awkward and dysfunctional young female who just checked out of the hospital for self-injury starts dating her boss, who introduces her to a relationship of BDSM. Since she already has a self-destructive streak, she falls in love.  Her boss fires her, humiliates her and eventually marries her so that they can continue their dominant/submissive lifestyle happily ever after.

5. Closer (2004)

This mixed-up tangle of love stars Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen. Basically, four people’s lives are intertwined by lust. No one is really happy with the person he or she is with. When their eyes wander, they switch partners and each end up more heartbroken than they were in the beginning. This is a good movie to watch if you feel that your quest for a satisfying relationship is thwarted by the very confusing and insatiable human condition.

6. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Set in the 1950s, this is a story of two women who befriend each other and have a relationship that borders on lesbianism (considered a mental illness at the time). This tale of an obsessive relationship between two girls ends with murder by brick bludgeoning. If you think you have problems with your own love life, try living in the old days where you considered mentally ill if you did not conform to society’s standards.

7. Sid and Nancy (1986)

Nothing makes you happier to be single than a good, old fashioned dysfunctional rocker love story. This movie is based on the true story of Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman), bassist of the seminal punk rock band The Sex Pistols and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). Filled with an abundance of reckless drugs and sex, the love story ends up with a stabbing.  On an interesting side note: Courtney Love auditioned for the role of Nancy Spungen but did not get it. Ironically, she was later compared to the rock star’s troubled girlfriend on account of her marriage to Kurt Cobain.

8. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Have you ever dreamed of getting married and starting a family? Maybe you’ll decide that traveling the world and pursuing your dreams should come first after you see this depressing movie. A young couple falls in love, moves to the suburbs, starts a family and becomes completely miserable as the bored housewife experiences a midlife crisis. She plots to move the family to France to pursue acting but a pregnancy with the couple’s third child puts the couple in disagreement and as a result, the desperate housewife gives herself an abortion and dies. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet costar in this drama that makes their last film together, The Titanic, look like a love story with a happy ending.

Now you have plenty to keep you occupied, with eight Valentine’s Day movies for the jilted, single or heartbroken who are looking for movies to make them feel better. Single life does not seem so bad now, does it?

April Lentini writes for Greektown Chicago Apartment Guide
Image: ginnerobot (flickr)

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Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia

by Sr. Editor on February 9, 2010

February is Black History Month. Philadelphia has a rich and interesting black American history. Boosted by a flood of Southern migrants in the early 1900s, Philadelphia’s black population took on a significant role as a cornerstone of America’s history.

Discover Black American Heritage

The election of W. Wilson Goode as the city’s first black mayor in 1979, along with other prominent Philadelphia black heros such as Cecil B. Moore, who led NAACP marches through the streets, and Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson who performed to a crowd of 75,000 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, have shaped Philadelphia’s black heritage. If you are looking for ways to celebrate or recognize America’s black heritage in Philadelphia, take a look at some noteworthy black history events that are taking place in your area.

What: Cinema Sepia Afternoon Film Series: Walls and Doors: Inspiration from our Elders
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 – 3 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: Black Archetypes and Prototypes in Cinema with The Minority Reporter
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: African Dance Workshop with Amma and Ishmael (noon)
Hip Hop Jazz Musicology and Drum Circle with Coda (2 p.m.)
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: The African American Experience Through Our Eyes and Yours, a series of monologues about issues that African Americans face in today’s society.
Where: The Kanbar Campus Center Performance Space
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Black History Showcase, the history of African Americans as an inspiring testimony to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14
Cost: Free

What: Black Journey, a high-spirited production celebrating heritage and tradition through the Black Musical experience.
Where: Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
260 South Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts
Suite 901
Philadelphia, PA 19102
When: Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Thursday, Feb. 18
Cost: $14 per seat

What: Blue Door, The Arden Theatre Company presents this funny and poignant drama of one man grappling at the intersection of his own identity and his cultural history.
Where: Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: January 14 – March 21, 2010
Cost: Tickets are $29-$48

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.
Image: Srbyugs (Flickr)

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What Does Your Ring Tone Say About You?

by Sr. Editor on February 4, 2010

 

 

 

People are judging you by your cell phone ring tone. What does your ring tone say about you? Take this short quiz to find out.

cell phone ring tones

 

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Turn Your Apartment into a Romantic Escape for Your Man

by Sr. Editor on February 4, 2010

Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day was designed for women. Since most guys could care less about mushy cards, candles, chocolates and flowers, women need to think a little differently when romancing their men. This Valentine’s Day, keep a few candles burning for yourself if you’d like, but if you really want him to feel the love and know that you appreciate him, here are some ways to turn your home into a guy-friendly romantic escape.

valentines for guys

Have a clean apartment and get a baby sitter

While most guys could care less about candles and soft music, they do appreciate a clean house.  Pick up your things and make room for your guy to be a guy on Valentine’s Day. Doing his laundry for him would be taking it one step further –but only if you are already on that level of intimacy. If you have kids, get them out of your home. Better yet, arrange to have them spend the night at someone else’s house if possible. When transforming your apartment into a guy-friendly romantic escape, the focus should be entirely on your man.

Get dressed up (or down) and have dinner ready

Where do most men want to go on Valentine’s Day? Nowhere, that’s where. They’re tired. They worked all day and they probably had to stand in a long line at the grocery store buying you flowers and candy if they were not creative enough to get a custom valentine gift (but that’s another article). The last thing your man wants to do is wait an hour to be seated at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day. So, dine in. Surprise him with the smell of his favorite meal cooking as he walks in the door. If you lack the talent for cooking, order in his favorite meal. Even if he made reservations somewhere, he will probably prefer to eat alone with you in that smoking outfit you’ll be wearing. Bow chica wow wow.

Succumb to Guy Activities

What do guys want to do on Valentine’s Day? Well, if you’ve been partners for a while, probably nothing. A MythBusters Marathon may be a married man’s idea of a hot date, so why fight it? On this one night, it won’t kill you to sit on the couch with him and appreciate his passion for explosives. If he likes to play video games, just go with it. Maybe he will suggest some risqué movies or games that will keep you both entertained. The point is this: you are making this his night to be pampered, so if he wants to vegetate in front of the TV, so be it. If he wants to tinker around in the basement or garage, strap on a tool belt and offer him a helping hand. For him, making an effort to take interest in his stuff may be more endearing and romantic than you think.

Many women see Valentine’s Day as an excuse to be pampered like a queen. Fair enough. However, if you are lucky enough to have a man that treats you like a queen (on most days), turning your home into a man cave for one night is not going to hurt you.

April Lentini is married and likes jewelry, chocolates and flowers. But she appreciates those things the most when they are unexpected –not on the commercial Valentine’s Day. April writes for ApartmentGuide in Chicago’s Greektown. (Image: CarbonNYC)

In what ways would you let your man be a man for Valentine’s Day?

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New TV Shows Worth Recording For Spring 2010

by Sr. Editor on February 2, 2010

TV night
Photo by: x-ray delta one (Flickr)

Why does it seem like there is a lack of good television shows on when you come home from work? Maybe you just get busy and forget to watch them. Well, don’t let these new shows slip by you this spring. Fire up the DVR and start a series recording because this spring season has some DVR-worthy television shows that you may want on your recorded list.

Human Target

Human Target is based on the popular DC comic book and graphic novel. This action-packed drama features the leading character, Christopher Chance, a contract security guard hired to protect. As a hired gun, Chance puts himself directly in the line of fire as he races against time to save his clients. Each episode unravels the mysterious Chance’s dark history and with it brings him eminent new danger.

Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Jan. 20, 2010
Time Slot: Wed., 9-10 p.m.

Past Life

In this drama series, main character Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish, “All My Children”) uses regression therapy along with her natural gift for reading people to solve the mysteries of her troubled clients. Each episode is a fast-paced emotional thrill ride as Kate and her colleagues unravel a new mystery involving the past lives of their clients who suffer from present-day problems caused by past-life traumas.

Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Feb 11, 2010 (two-hour series premier)
Time Slot: Thurs., 8 – 10 p.m.

The Marriage Ref

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld produces this new comedy reality show that reveals the humorous side to marriage. Celebrities candidly comment, judge and decide who’s right and who’s wrong in real-life disputes between real-life spouses. If you liked the show “Seinfeld” and found hilarity in relatable situations surrounding single life in New York City, you may appreciate Jerry’s new primetime venture surrounding the bizarre institution of marriage.

Channel: NBC
Sneak Preview: Sun., February 28, 2010 (following the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics)
Series Premier: March 4, 2010
Time Slot: Thurs., 10 – 11 p.m.

Parenthood NBC

From executive producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, this one-hour drama introduces audiences to the extended Braverman family. Centered on the conflicts of four diverse households and generations, the focus of this show is on the four grown siblings that share the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents in a modern family.

Channel: NBC
Series Premier: March 2, 2010
Time Slot: Tues., 10 – 11 p.m.

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com in Chicago. When searching for an apartment, don’t skimp on the entertainment space. There are many apartments in Chicago that will accommodate your large, flat-screen T.V.

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5 Great iPhone Apps for Personal Money Management

by Sr. Editor on January 12, 2010

If your new year’s resolution is to better manage your own money, you may want to check out these iPhone Apps designed for personal finance. Whether you are trying to stick to a budget, save money or manage your vast wealth of investments, you will find that these iPhone apps come in handy to master your money directly from your iPhone or iPod touch.

1. Mint iPhone App (Free)
Mint has been touted by many as the best free online budget program. Using your online Mint account, this app allows you to manage multiple accounts from several different banks and track your purchases that you set up in categories to get a good idea of where your money is going. (Spending a little too much on clothes?) This free mint app is also handy for those who are keeping track of their debt / income ratio as it automatically updates the balance on your personal loans and credit cards.

2. Quicken Online Mobile (Free)
If you are a devoted Quicken user, you will love this free app that lets you manage your money directly from your iPhone. Quicken Online Mobile connects automatically with your Quicken Online account to help you keep track of your cash, pay your bills and find the closest ATM. One great feature of Quicken financial software is the Paycheck Forecaster. It shows you not only how much money you have left in your account, but also figures in what bills are coming, so you can make the rent AND go out with your friends without sliding into the red.

3. Grocery IQ ($0.99)
Those looking to be more efficient with their spending and stick to a grocery list will love Grocery IQ. This mobile app is a great way to never be without a grocery list again. This iPhone app helps you save money on groceries as well by allowing you to browse hundreds of coupons for your favorite brands. You can easily depend on your spouse or other family members to get groceries because your grocery list is automatically shared and updated on other devices. You can also email your grocery list to others directly from your iPhone.

4. E*Trade Mobile Pro (Free)
Keep up with your own portfolio investments using E*Trade’s mobile app. If you have an E*Trade online account, you will appreciate the familiar, intuitive interface that is found on the web site. Even if you are not a professional day trader, you will be impressed with the streaming quotes feature and the visual last trade tracking. E*Trade is used by professional stock traders as well as investment novices who want to learn more about stock markets. This app is a great way to see how your personal investments are doing on a daily basis.

5. Bloomberg (Free)
Another good application for measuring your current investments against the rest of the world market is Bloomberg’s free iPhone app. Personal finance options include a portfolio tracker, a financial glossary and a wide array of calculators that include mortgage, auto loans and retirement calculators. In addition to managing your own money and assets, Boomberg is a great resource for market news and market data. Make wise decisions on investing based on Bloomberg’s current data and market news.

April Lentini writes for ApartmentGuide.com in Chicago. If you are on the go and shopping for places to live, check out Apartment Guide’s handy iPhone app. You can browse Chicago apartments by price range, neighborhood or amenities.

Photo: William Hook Flickr Creative Commons

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